Rupaul’s Drag Race Season 5 – Vivienne Pinay, Honey Mahogany

As I am writing this my jaw is still extended in shock from the double elimination on this week’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. As you will read below, some of the girls discussed the fact that there would eventually be a double elimination, but I was in total shock. As we say goodbye (for now) to Vivienne Pinay and Honey Mahogany, it was a pleasure to sit down with both of them for this exclusive Hotspots interview.

As I am writing this my jaw is still extended in shock from the double elimination on this week’s episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race. As you will read below, some of the girls discussed the fact that there would eventually be a double elimination, but I was in total shock. As we say goodbye (for now) to Vivienne Pinay and Honey Mahogany, it was a pleasure to sit down with both of them for this exclusive Hotspots interview.

At what age did female impersonation become an interest & how did you pick your name?

Vivienne – It became an interest when I was very young and saw RuPaul on VH1, but I didn’t start doing drag till like 3 ½ years ago. Vivienne is named after my Southern Grandmother. And Pinay means Filipino girl.

Honey – The first time I dressed up I was 20, but I didn’t really start performing in drag until I was 24. Everyone knows I got my name from my first 2 shades of foundation.

How many times did you apply to be on RPDR and how did it feel when you found out you got chosen?

Vivienne – I applied twice for season 4 and 5. This year I really felt like I was going to make it, so I wasn’t shocked but I was ecstatic.

Honey – This was the only time I applied and it felt amazing. I was overwhelmed with excitement as I was the first queen from San Fran and I had only been doing drag for 4 years.

Tell me about your RuPaul’s Drag Race experience?

Vivienne – It was an experience of a lifetime, I will never forget it, and I have no regrets. It was a lot different then you see on Television. Everything was new to me as I have never had a drag family and I didn’t know any of the queens before the taping. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Honey – It was definitely challenging and it was a taste of the Television industry. Now I know how this part of the industry works.

Were you surprised about the double elimination?

Vivienne – No I was not. I kind of felt that there was going to be a double elimination eventually as there was one more queen than usual. I was hoping it wasn’t going to be me, but I wasn’t completely shocked when it happened.

Honey – You can say that. Did you see my face?

Who do you want to win?

Vivienne – I would say narrow it down to 2: Alyssa Edwards as she is so gorgeous and talented and Jinx Monsoon as I think she is amazing and has a unique style. In addition she is very sweet.

Honey – My top 2 picks are Jinx and Detox.

Tell me about the man behind the performer?

Vivienne – Michael is a homebody, has a b/f of 3 years, and 2 dogs. That is my life outside of drag. I am a very patient and caring person and I have the gift to connect with just about anybody. I have been in the beauty industry for the past 9 years and I am very confident in who I am and very passionate about my art.

Honey – Alpha is a social worker who works close to full time in that field. I am a San Fran native and Graduated USC for Undergrad and UC Berkley for my Master’s in Social Work.

Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.

Vivienne – I was raised by a diverse family. My father’s side is white, my mom is Filipino and the man who raised me is black.

Honey – There is not much that people don’t know about me, but I am a Buffy the Vampire Slayer fanatic. I go through the entire series at least once every 6 months.

What’s ahead for you?

Vivienne – Since Vivienne is the beauty/glamour queen that’s where I want my drag to go. I want to do print work, television and possibly movies. My goal is to bring drag out of the nightclubs for the whole world to appreciate. I want to be the second drag supermodel of the world.

Honey – I just released a song, “It’s Honey,” which is available on itunes and the music video on youtube. This is the direction I want to go in. I love writing and singing music.

Is there anything I haven’t asked you that you would like to talk about?

Vivienne – I wish I would have been edited a little more closely to who I am. I can be funny and sarcastic and I think I came across as bitter and that’s really not who I am. I grew up with alcoholism, abandonment and domestic violence and I have overcome all of that and have a great career and wish they would have exposed more of that on the show.

To find out more aboutthese two performers visit their websites at: ViviennePinay.com ItsHoney.com